Cristiano Ronaldo is in danger of missing Portugal’s first game at the 2026 World Cup after getting a red card for the first time in his international career. The incident happened during Portugal’s 2–0 loss to the Republic of Ireland.
This was a surprising moment because Ronaldo has played 226 games for Portugal — more than any other man in international football — and had never been sent off before.
What Happened During the Match
In the 61st minute, Ronaldo fought for the ball with Ireland defender Dara O’Shea. During the challenge, Ronaldo hit O’Shea with his elbow. The referee first gave him a yellow card, but VAR asked the referee to check the replay on the screen.
After watching the video, the referee changed the yellow to a red card for violent conduct. Portugal had to play the rest of the match with one less player and eventually lost 2–0.
Ronaldo has been sent off 13 times during his club career, but this was his first red card ever for Portugal.
What This Means for the World Cup
A red card always leads to a one-game ban. This means Ronaldo will miss Portugal’s next match on Sunday against Armenia. If Portugal wins that match, they will qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The big question is what happens after that.
Most likely, Ronaldo will only miss one game. But if officials decide the elbow was very serious, they could extend the ban. If that happens, Ronaldo might be forced to miss the first game of the World Cup — something no fan wants to see.
A Rare Moment in a Great Career
Ronaldo’s career with Portugal has been full of amazing achievements:
- He is the most capped men’s international player ever
- He has scored over 120 goals for Portugal
- He helped win Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019
Because of this, the red card came as a big shock to fans and players.
What’s Next for Portugal
Portugal will now play Armenia without their captain. The team has many strong players, but losing Ronaldo — even for one match — is a big challenge.
Everyone is waiting to see if the ban will stay at one game or if it will be increased. That decision will determine whether Ronaldo can start the 2026 World Cup with his team.
